Category Archives: Bright Start

Emily Carlson, BSN, RN, is a mother of four and works full-time for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) as a Bright Start home visiting nurse. She divides her time caring for her family and providing personalized nursing care to the first-time mothers enrolled in Bright Start. Balancing work and life can beContinueContinue reading “Filling the Cup of New Moms by Promoting Self Care  “

A network of home visitors and family support professionals gathered for the first All Team Home Visiting Conference in Oacoma, SD, on February 27-28, 2024. Families from across the state and four tribal communities receive pregnancy support and parenting education through the five South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) programs represented at the gathering.  ContinueContinue reading “SDFMC Bright Start Team Attends All Team Home Visiting Conference  “

Creating life is unique to women, and the ability to produce breastmilk is a superpower with many health benefits for baby and mother. Bright Start nurse home visitors support expectant and new mothers with understanding the value of breastfeeding.   Carol Phillips, RN, Bright Start nurse home visitor for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical CareContinueContinue reading “Breastfeeding is a Woman’s Superpower”

Over the river and through the woods takes on a whole new meaning as South Dakota families prepare to travel for the holidays. Keeping little ones properly buckled and safe is important all year, but especially during the more treacherous winter travel season. Drivers are still adjusting to slippery road conditions and reduced visibility, whichContinueContinue reading “Winter Travel Tips for Keeping Children Safe “

The joy of the first snowfall brings an entryway filled with winter coats, single gloves, wet boots, and red-cheeked children.  Getting outdoors is good for everyone, and dressing appropriately is essential to protect little fingers and toes. Hypothermia and front bite are primary dangers from reduced body temperatures and freezing skin and tissue.   Destiney Storms,ContinueContinue reading “Winter Safety Tips for Families”

SDFMC Job Application The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care has a vision to improve quality of life for all South Dakotans by collaborating with partners to achieve positive health outcomes. By pursuing the organizational values to seek excellence, develop professionals, focus on outcomes, manage with integrity, and collaborate with partners, SDFMC has expanded theContinueContinue reading “Seeking Bright Start Nurse Home Visitor to Serve Huron”

Living room floors and backyards are strewn with toys and games throughout the summer months as kids enjoy the freedom and warm weather. Checking the safety of toys, especially in homes with children of different ages, is an important step to prevent injury. Separating toys intended for older children protects little ones from the dangersContinueContinue reading “Playing it Safe with Children’s Toys  “

Becoming pregnant is a major milestone in a person’s life. However, there are numerous mini-milestones sprinkled along the 40-week pregnancy journey. A very memorable milestone is feeling the baby move for the first time!   The Bright Start program in South Dakota is here to help first-time mothers along their journey of pregnancy and be thereContinueContinue reading “Sharing Pregnancy Milestones with First-Time Moms”

No one would be here today without a special woman in their life. Mothers play an important role in every child’s life, whether it is their first or last! They impact their child’s growth and development and set the foundation for learning. Let’s celebrate all mothers, especially first-time mothers, this coming Mother’s Day! SDFMC Bright Start is a partContinueContinue reading “A Positive Start to Motherhood”